I'm named Nawar, نوار (nah-waaharrrrrrrr)

but do names reveal much about a person? Is that the first taste you get of the potential - ness? of a human?

A name that blooms from my Iraqi heritage and resonates with the vibrancy of life my culture holds. Nawar means 'blossom' in Arabic and transforms into 'Noir' in French—a contrast from the bright purity of a flower to the enigmatic depths of black. This duality reflects the beauty of diverse perspectives and the multiple realities we all hold within us.

My grandmother, a figure of immense strength, imparted more than just her name to me; she instilled resilience, curiosity, creativity, and the privilege of freedom. Yet, despite her gifts, I often found myself confined within the chains created by my mind.

I ventured into the sciences academically, but creativity has always been my true north. To me, love and community are the essential ingredients of well-being and long-lasting health, standing in stark contrast to the pursuit of obsession and perfection, which has led to isolation.

Since the age of 10, art has been my sanctuary and voice, confronting the injustices around me that stirred my mind and broke my heart.

I attempt to marry logic with intuition, becoming a personal remedy.

In this journey, I try to explore the spaces in between.

The shades of grey in the corners of black.

Some may view this exploration as foolish or even insane, but I find my most authentic expression and purpose in this interplay of light and shadow, logic and emotion.